Kwara NLC tells FG to reverse petrol price

The Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to reconsider the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the NLC State Chairman, Muritala Olayinka, the union described the increase as a “blow to workers’ welfare and a breach of trust.” The NLC called on the government to reverse economic policies that are “unfriendly to labor and detrimental to the people.”

The NLC’s statement follows the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s announcement of a fuel price increase, leading independent fuel stations to adjust their prices to between N1,000 and N1,200 per litre. In Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, some stations now dispense fuel at N1,000 per litre.

Olayinka criticized the Federal Government for backtracking on an agreement reached with organized labor, reminding them that the acceptance of the N70,000 minimum wage was based on the promise that there would be no increase in fuel prices. He expressed concern over the government’s insensitivity in raising fuel prices at a time when citizens are grappling with economic hardship.

Despite the circumstances, Olayinka urged the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could heighten tensions. He assured that the leadership of organized labor is closely monitoring the situation and working towards a solution.

“The Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress received the news of the recent fuel price hike with dismay. This increase is especially troubling given the severe economic challenges facing the state and the country at large. With a deep sense of compassion and patriotism, we address our workers and the public on the economic difficulties brought about by the hike in PMS prices,” Olayinka said.

He added that the fuel price increase during this period of economic hardship demands serious concern and could spark a national debate on the future living standards of workers and the general public.

Olayinka also highlighted that the NLC, in collaboration with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accepted the N70,000 minimum wage on the condition that fuel prices would not be raised. He emphasized the need for the Federal Government to review and reverse some of its policies that are not labor-friendly or people-oriented.

In another statement, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, a leading socio-cultural group in Kwara State, joined other stakeholders across the country in appealing to the Federal Government to roll back the recent increase in petrol prices.

The Union, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Nurudeen Ibrahim, said that reversing the petrol price hike would be a significant step towards restoring hope among ordinary citizens. The Union expressed concern that the rising cost of goods and services, driven by the fuel price increase, is leading to greater hunger, anger, and frustration among the populace.

The Union further argued that the recent fuel price increase is unjustifiable, especially with the anticipated commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery. They urged the government to prioritize the security and welfare of the people in its policies and called for a review of the current fuel pricing policy in the interest of the masses.